How to Make a Decorative Fireplace Mantel
- 1). Paint your fireplace mantel so that is complements the colors used in the rest of the room. If you have pale walls, paint the mantel a few shades darker than the walls, but in the same color to highlight it. If the walls are dark or patterned, then painting the mantel a light, bright color with ensure it remains a focal point.
- 2). Place the television above the fireplace to turn it into an entertainment area. Combining the two focal points in this way can work well, especially in small rooms where space is limited.
- 3). Gather together some items that are important to you and place them on the fireplace mantel. Colorful rocks, shells or trinkets collected from your travels can make excellent decorations for a fireplace mantel and provide interest and texture in the room too. Using the "3-plus-1" method is a good idea. This involves placing three objects of similar size at one end of the mantel and a solitary object that is twice as tall or larger in terms of mass at the other end. The objects could all relate to one another or be of complementing colors for a great visual effect.
- 4). Place a mirror on the mantel to create a illusion that the room is larger than it really is. Lighting some candles in front of the mirror can add more to this illusion as well as bathe the room in a soft glow. Candles work well using the "3-plus-1" method too. Use three small candles at one end with one larger candle at the other end.
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